Cathy Benton remembers the moment she decided to enroll in her first ballroom dance lesson.

In 2011, Benton made a vow to herself to shed her excess weight. That same night, actress Kirstie Alley, whose weight loss struggles have been in the public eye for years, waltzed across Benton’s television during “Dancing With the Stars.”

That was 70 pounds ago, said Benton, a recently retired portrait photographer from Churchland. When she began taking classes under instructor Tou Kue, a former Navy jet mechanic-turned-dance instructor, Benton found her new passion — and ultimately, her new business partner.

Benton and Kue opened Studio 2C, their new ballroom dance studio in Suffolk’s Harbor View community, in late January. The two will begin offering group and private American and International ballroom dance lessons at the studio, at 6550 Hampton Roads Parkway, on Feb. 1. The studio will also host practice parties three times a week to give students opportunities to rehearse their skills between lessons.

“This is a dream come true,” Benton said. With the music of Frank Sinatra filling the 2,000-square-foot ballroom, Benton and Kue waltzed across the dance floor on a recent morning.

“I fell in love with dancing and the dance industry,” Benton said. “I do believe moving is the key to life.”

Having operated a photography business for 25 years, Benton brings the business skills to Studio 2C. Kue, who has been dancing since childhood and taught ballroom dance at another Hampton Roads studio for 12 years, has the technical expertise, Benton said.

“A good instructor has to have patience and the ability to understand how students learn best,” said Kue.

Both Benton and Kue have danced competitively and intend to cater lessons to their students’ interests. They will teach all levels of dance, from students who want to hold their own at a family wedding to those who wish to dance competitively. Studio 2C also choreographs dances for wedding clients.

“We are thrilled with how quickly it’s taking off,” Benton said.

A lot of people did double takes after learning of their plans to open the dance studio, Benton said.

“A lot of people said I was crazy but I know these people, and I know this community,” she said. “Everything in life is a risk … so we may as well take one doing something we love.”

Students get far more than just dancing skills from the experience, Benton said.

“There is posture, confidence, grace, improved coordination … the health benefits,” Benton said. “Dancing brings balance to everything you do. “

Studio 2C is open Monday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m., and by appointment. The duo will hold an open house to showcase their talents and the studio from 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 13.